appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups; During childhood
What causes a mole?
cells in the skin (Melanocytes) grow in a cluster instead of being spread out
moles might darken after exposure to sun, during teen years, and during pregnancy
What are the different types of moles?
Congenital nevi are moles that appear at birth.
Dysplastic nevi are moles that are larger than average and irregular in shape. These moles tend to be hereditary.
Treatment/Recommended
removal of any atypical mole that changes in color, shape, or diameter.
people with atypical moles should avoid sun exposure
persons with atypical moles should consult a physician
wear sunscreen and cover moles for protection
Cancer
Melanoma-skin cancer that develops as age increases.
Removal or chemo is needed as soon as possible
Ways to check for this or when to see a doctor is using the ABCD
Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter
Birthmarks
A birthmark is a skin marking that is present at birth. Birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots, moles, and mongolian spots.
Cafe-au-lait Spots-
Moles-
Mongolian Spots-
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Cafe-au-lait spots may occur in people with the genetic disorder, neurofibromatis
Nearly everyone has moles, which usually appear after birth.
Mongolian spots are more commonly seen in darker-skinned populations.
Symptoms
Each type of birthmark has its own appearance:
Cafe-au-lait spots are light tan, the color of coffee with milk.
Moles are small clusters of colored skin cells.
Mongolian spots (also called Mongolian blue spots) are usually bluish or bruised-looking. They usually appear over the lower back or buttocks, but can also appear in other areas, including the trunk or arms.
Other symptoms of birthmarks:
Abnormally dark or light skin
Contain hair
Skin lesion
Skin lumps
Textured -- smooth, flat, raised, or wrinkled
Signs and tests Diagnosis is usually made based on the appearance of the skin area. A biopsy may be performed to look for cancerous changes. Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the type of birthmark and related conditions. Usually no treatment is needed for the birthmark itself.
Large birthmarks that affect your appearance and self-esteem may be covered with special cosmetics.
Moles may be removed surgically if they affect your appearance or have an increase in cancer risk. Discuss your options with your doctor to decide how and when to remove any moles.
Moles
What is a mole (“Nevus”)?
growths on skin that are usually brown or black
appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups; During childhood
What causes a mole?
cells in the skin (Melanocytes) grow in a cluster instead of being spread out
moles might darken after exposure to sun, during teen years, and during pregnancy
What are the different types of moles?
Congenital nevi are moles that appear at birth.
Dysplastic nevi are moles that are larger than average and irregular in shape. These moles tend to be hereditary.
Treatment/Recommended
removal of any atypical mole that changes in color, shape, or diameter.
people with atypical moles should avoid sun exposure
persons with atypical moles should consult a physician
wear sunscreen and cover moles for protection
Cancer
Melanoma-skin cancer that develops as age increases.
Removal or chemo is needed as soon as possible
Ways to check for this or when to see a doctor is using the ABCD
Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter
Birthmarks
A birthmark is a skin marking that is present at birth. Birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots, moles, and mongolian spots.Cafe-au-lait Spots-
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Cafe-au-lait spots may occur in people with the genetic disorder, neurofibromatis
Nearly everyone has moles, which usually appear after birth.
Mongolian spots are more commonly seen in darker-skinned populations.
Symptoms
Each type of birthmark has its own appearance:
Cafe-au-lait spots are light tan, the color of coffee with milk.
Moles are small clusters of colored skin cells.
Mongolian spots (also called Mongolian blue spots) are usually bluish or bruised-looking. They usually appear over the lower back or buttocks, but can also appear in other areas, including the trunk or arms.
Other symptoms of birthmarks:
Signs and testsAbnormally dark or light skin
Contain hair
Skin lesion
Skin lumps
Textured -- smooth, flat, raised, or wrinkled
Diagnosis is usually made based on the appearance of the skin area. A biopsy may be performed to look for cancerous changes.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the type of birthmark and related conditions. Usually no treatment is needed for the birthmark itself.
Large birthmarks that affect your appearance and self-esteem may be covered with special cosmetics.
Moles may be removed surgically if they affect your appearance or have an increase in cancer risk. Discuss your options with your doctor to decide how and when to remove any moles.